You might not think twice when you see Ratatouille playing on TV. Or as a furry little rat scurries along the subway rails. But you will DEFINIETLY think twice, maybe thrice, and probably lose a lot of sleep, when you see that MONSTER in your home!

Who are you going to call? Not your dad. Not Ghostbusters. d-CON! d-CON offers a range of rodent solutions including baits and traps, and has been kicking these little rodent butts for over 60 years.  d-CON has been the category leader in rodenticides for over 60 years! They know it’s a tricky topic, so they like to have fun with it, while still ensuring that consumers feel confident using their products.

d-CON is looking to update their helpful how-to videos with a set of 6 step-by-step instructions on their products:

• Refillable Bait Station
• Ultra Set
• No View, No Touch Trap
• Quick Kill Glue Trap
• Disposable Bait Station 
• Glueboards 

Organizing Idea & Communication Objectives:

Dealing with rodents is an emotional battle, a battle that people want to be over as soon as possible. We need Videos that convey that quick efficacy. 

• Brand essence and positioning: Victory! d-CON gives you the confidence that you’ve already won.
• Educating consumers on what product is best for them and their situation and on general helpful mouse knowledge with a special focus on education about baits and the bait station format.
• Continue to drive strong brand equity. d-CON is the brand that you can trust to WORK and get rid of your rodents.
• Leverage consumer insights to deliver a consistent, message of efficacy across all media vehicles:d-CON the trusted defender.

The goal of this project is for one filmmaker to create a set of six 30-60-second how-to videos that update d-CON’s current set. They should be entertaining, relevant, and light-hearted to communicate that if you use d-CON, you will already have won the battle against rodents in your home. Consumers will visit these videos to learn about a tricky topic, so it’s important that the videos be entertaining and reassuring.

Note to Ideas Submitters: We’re looking for over-arching ideas for a Series of videos, not just  one-off ideas for a single video. So let us hear your great framing stories for a Series of videos that demonstrates how this set of 3 d-CON products works in a fun and engaging way.

• Educate consumers on products available
• Educate consumers on bait and mouse knowledge
• Continue to drive strong brand equity as the brand that will get rid of your rodents

Note to Pitch Submitters: By pitching on this project, you are agreeing to comply with the Series Delivery Timeline if you are selected as the Series Winner:

July 10 — August 7: Series Winner creates FIVE additional 30 to 60 second Videos

--Key Marketing Messages:

• d-CON is the #1 selling brand, trusted for over 60 years
• Dealing with rodents is an emotional battle, a battle that consumers want over as soon as possible. Need to convey efficacy!
• Brand essence and positioning: Victory. d-CON gives you the confidence that you’ve already won.
• Educating consumers on what product is best for them and their situation and on general helpful mouse knowledge with a special focus on education about baits and the bait station format.
• Continue to drive strong brand equity. d-CON is the brand that you can trust to WORK and get rid of your rodents.
• Leverage consumer insights to deliver a consistent, message of efficacy across all media vehicles (d-CON the trusted defender)

--Target Audience: Broad target audience as anyone can have a rodent problem: rural and urban dwellers, male and female! But they aren’t very educated about how to deal with rodents. The target includes both those who get emotionally distressed and those who are more matter-of-fact about the issue.

--Executional Mandatories: Submit scripts for final legal review before production.

--Tone: Lighthearted but educational and authoritative. d-CON is THE solution!

--Exposure: d-CON owned channels.

--Product: Product will be supplied to filmmakers:

• Refillable Bait Station
• Ultra Set:
  
• No View, No Touch Trap
  
• Quick Kill Glue Trap
• Disposable Bait Station
• Glueboards

RELEVANT REFERENCES:

Current TV spots

Attic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YPj2HU1Ius&index=2&list=PLUXozf7qZZcPXpKQTrnBW_4nVKpewUYGF

Little Surprises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nvzvIhLo9k&list=PLUXozf7qZZcPXpKQTrnBW_4nVKpewUYGF

Mouse Hole Theater: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDujI0Op-WE&list=PLUXozf7qZZcPmv7jSk58Z3TvNS5PNI7f3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDL7pV9Ksp4&list=PLUXozf7qZZcPmv7jSk58Z3TvNS5PNI7f3&index=2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EDNLf3_uso&list=PLUXozf7qZZcPmv7jSk58Z3TvNS5PNI7f3&index=3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54PGdu5hXY0&list=PLUXozf7qZZcPmv7jSk58Z3TvNS5PNI7f3&index=4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_gkvDmL4TI&list=PLUXozf7qZZcPmv7jSk58Z3TvNS5PNI7f3&index=5

Current How To Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cctl_dKBClw&list=PLUXozf7qZZcNLi_g19gkHZZpOYDYaXkCE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qWUpoDqOwA&index=2&list=PLUXozf7qZZcNLi_g19gkHZZpOYDYaXkCE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ9w2-il6Sg&list=PLUXozf7qZZcNLi_g19gkHZZpOYDYaXkCE&index=3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MePa0kauCcQ&list=PLUXozf7qZZcNLi_g19gkHZZpOYDYaXkCE&index=4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvH1QREBo6g&index=5&list=PLUXozf7qZZcNLi_g19gkHZZpOYDYaXkCE

This Project will be worth a total of $40,000 and consists of four Phases: an Idea Phase, a Pitch Phase, a Pilot Phase and a Series Phase. Be sure to read the following information carefully as well as the Official Rules.

PHASE 1: IDEA– Tell us your IDEA for a set of Videos about d-CON pest control products in 140 characters or fewer.  Remember, an Idea is not a detailed script; it is a spark of inspiration, or a distillation of what will happen in the Videos.  As always, Ideas should be clever and engaging.  The winning Idea creators will receive $250 each.

PHASE 2: PITCH – BY SUBMITTING TO THIS PHASE OF THE PROJECT, YOU ARE AGREEING TO COMPLY WITH THE SERIES DELIVERY TIMELINE AS SET FORTH BELOW:

July 8 — August 5: Series Winner creates five additional 30 to 60 second Videos

Submit your Pitch (What Is a Pitch Phase?) convincing the Sponsor why you should be selected to execute a Video based on one of the winning Ideas from the previous Phase using:

• Text (REQUIRED): 500 characters or less synopsizing how you plan to approach and execute this Video. 
• Links (REQUIRED): To your previous video work. Please specify your role (producer, director, cinematography, etc.) and DO NOT INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR SHOWREEL. Please link to individual videos.
• Script (Optional): This should include dialogue from the video you intend to create. 
• Treatment (Optional): A detailed narrative description of what's going to happen in the video. 
• Storyboards (Optional): Additional concept art, storyboards, shot list, anything that helps get your point across.
•  Pitch Video (Optional): This is your opportunity to show us what you're capable of. Consider submitting a Pitch video in which you tell the Sponsor what they can expect should they choose your Pitch. Also, test videos, animatics, etc. are welcome.   

Make sure you include a description of not just what will happen in the Pilot video but also what the other five Videos in the Series will look like.

The two most compelling Pitches will be selected and, upon submitting the Winner’s Affidavit and the IP Assignment, will each receive $3,000 to help create the Pilot.  Additionally, upon submitting a Pilot that satisfies the criteria laid out in your winning Pitch, the Pitch winners will also be GUARANTEED a winning place in the subsequent Pilot Phase.  So, if your Pitch is selected and you execute your Pitch effectively in your Pilot submission, you will win an additional $6,500, at a minimum, and have a chance to compete for the $20,000 First Place Pilot prize. For an example of an effective Pitch, check out Erik Beck’s winning “3 Artists & 5,000 LEGOs” Pitch video. All Pitches will remain private until after the winner of the Series Phase is announced and the Project is complete.    

PHASE 3: PILOT – The winners from the Pitch Phase will each create a 30-60-second Pilot video based upon their winning Pitch.

Series Bible: Pitch winners are also required to submit a Series Bible along with their Pilot submission. The Series Bible is a 1-3 page PDF that gives a detailed plot and production synopsis of the remaining five Videos in the Series.

The Judges will score the two winning Pilots submitted by Pitch winners to determine the standings for the Pilot Phase. Remember, the two Pitch winners will receive prizes.

--Pilot Phase Payout: Winners of the Video Phase will earn the following prizes: 1st place $6,500 and 2nd place $6,500.

--Music: Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Audioblocks, Killer Tracks and Epidemic Sound. Any of which can be used to source music for your Video submission to this Project. Music from these providers is available to registered Tongal members at no charge solely for their incorporation into Submissions to this Project and will not require a separate Music Release Form. To learn more about using each of these music providers, click on any of the provider’s names above.

Tongal members interested in a custom music solution for your project are invited to connect with SCORE A SCORE.  They specialize in the creation of custom music, on-demand.  Their business model is based on a "name your price" system, so you can tell them what your budget is, and they will work with you to create a deal configuration that will work within the discussed parameters. Check out the FAQ for more information and how to contact SCORE A SCORE. 

If you are selected as a winner and choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. If you obtain music from other catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with our Music Release Form when you turn in your Video paperwork.  

PHASE 4: SERIES – The first place winner from the previous Pilot phase will then create the additional five Videos and be paid $20,000 to deliver the remaining five Videos (30-60-seconds each) in accordance with the timeline set out on the project page.

--Series Phase Payout: Winners of the Video Phase will earn the following prizes: 1st place $20,000.

--Music: Tongal has partnered with three premiere music providers: Audioblocks, Killer Tracks and Epidemic Sound. Any of which can be used to source music for your Video submission to this Project. Music from these providers is available to registered Tongal members at no charge solely for their incorporation into Submissions to this Project and will not require a separate Music Release Form. To learn more about using each of these music providers, click on any of the provider’s names above.

Tongal members interested in a custom music solution for your project are invited to connect with SCORE A SCORE.  They specialize in the creation of custom music, on-demand.  

Their business model is based on a "name your price" system, so you can tell them what your budget is, and they will work with you to create a deal configuration that will work within the discussed parameters. Check out the FAQ for more information and how to contact SCORE A SCORE.  

If you are selected as a winner and choose to use custom/original music, you must fill out and submit our Music Release Form. If you obtain music from other catalog providers, you must purchase the appropriate license at your own expense and submit it with our Music Release Form when you turn in your Video paperwork.  

--Referral: Any Tongal member who refers one of the winning Series creators in this Project using the Tongal “Invite Friends” functionality will receive a referral fee equal to 5% of the amount won. That’s a potential $500 (up to $500 per place) in bonus cash just for telling all of your talented friends about this Project! Check out more about our Referral Program in FAQ.

1. The Video MUST not exceed 60-seconds in length. Preferred format for upload to the Tongal website is HD 720p 16x9. Acceptable file formats are .mov, .avi, .mp4, .wmv. Acceptable codecs are H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4, H.263, MPGV, WMV, DivX. Should you win, you will also be required to provide a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec

2. Unless provided otherwise, all work must be your own original creation and free of any copyrighted material. You shall provide detailed information of your work regarding the source, the creator and background information as requested by Tongal.

3. In the event you utilize any third party materials, such as music provided by a third-party music provider not provided by Tongal, you must obtain full written license and consent from the owner of such third party materials and provide such license and consent forms to Tongal.

4. BY SUBMITTING A VIDEO ENTRY, YOUR SUBMISSION IMMEDIATELY BECOMES THE SOLE PROPERTY OF TONGAL OR ITS ASSIGNEES – SEE OFFICIAL RULES FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT OWNERSHIP OF ENTRIES. YOU MAY NOT PUBLICLY SHARE OR PUBLISH YOUR SUBMISSION IN ANY MANNER AND YOU MAY NOT POST OR UPLOAD YOUR SUBMISSION TO ANY WEBSITE OR VIDEO HOSTING SITE (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE OR VIMEO), WITHOUT THE PRIOR EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF TONGAL.  FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION OF YOUR ENTRY IN THE PROJECT.

5. Submissions cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of Sponsor.

6. Submissions must not portray Sponsor in a negative way, the determination of which will solely reside with Sponsor.

7. By submitting to this project, you acknowledge that your work may become subject to public voting on the Tongal site. Public voting may be used to help the project sponsor determine the final rank order.

8. Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.

9. Limit 5 submissions per member, per Phase.

10. You must be at least thirteen (13) years or older to enter.

11. In the event that fewer than 30 Pitches are received, the Sponsor reserves the right to repost the contest for up to fourteen (14) days at their discretion.

12. In addition to the judging criteria stated in the OFFICIAL RULES, Pitches will also be evaluated on that member's ability to execute the final Video based on their prior work and experience as a filmmaker.

13. The Sponsor will be entitled to reasonable revisions on the finished Videos without providing additional compensation. Remember it's easier to re-edit than re-shoot so try to get as much coverage as possible.

14. In addition to the standard Tongal W-9, Winner Affidavit, and IP Assignment, winning Video creators MUST also provide Talent, Location, Music (or other) Releases for all assets appearing in their winning Videos, as well as a photograph/headshot  OR copy of a photo ID for all On-camera Talent releases. You must also provide all project files, editing sequences and a 1080p .mov master file, using a ProRes, Animation, or Uncompressed Codec to claim your prize.

15. See OFFICIAL RULES for additional contest information, terms and conditions. If there is any conflict or inconsistency between these requirements and the Official Rules, the terms and conditions of these requirements shall prevail.